Restaurants at Norfolk's Waterside District

The long-anticipated completion of Norfolk’s Waterside District is nearly upon us, and we’re downright giddy for the grand opening. The district will change the face of Norfolk, bringing together locals and visitors, families and fun-loving folks at one central gathering spot, entertainment venue and shopping and dining hub. Waterside District President Glenn Sutch shares details on some of the restaurants we can look forward to visiting on May 4 when Waterside is officially open for business.

Luk Fu will offer Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Thai cuisine with authentic menu items including sushi, ramen, dim sum, soups and noodles. “It will be a bar that you can cozy up to and enjoy some sushi made there right in front of you or grab some noodles or dim some and have some Asian cocktails to go with it,” Sutch suggests.

Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse will combine the Food Network star’s passion for barbecue with the restaurant scene of Norfolk and culinary tradition of our region. Sutch describes it as “barbecue to a whole new level.”

Rappahannock Oyster Co.from Topping, Va. will serve flavorful, quality oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. “I can’t wait for you guys to taste how we do an oyster po’ boy sandwich,” Sutch says.

The Fudgerywill sell handmade, traditional fudge and feature singing fudge makers. The Fudgery made its debut in Norfolk at the original Waterside in 1983. “It’s one of the icons that comes back,” Sutch notes. “We’re proud of that.”

Cogan’s Pizzaalready has two locations in Norfolk, but the third at Waterside will feature two signature wood-burning pizza ovens in full view. In classic Cogan’s fashion, they’ll serve unique pizzas, pastas and over 30 beers on tap.

Starr Hill Brewery, based in Crozet, Va., is a long-beloved and well-known brewery, having won 21 medals. They’ll bring their delicious brews, like Northern Lights IPA and Jomo Vienna-style lager, to thirsty Waterside patrons.

Blue Moon Taphouseis creating a concept specifically for Waterside. The 17,000-square-foot restaurant will feature live music, authentic art, a large selection of craft beer and a variety of gastro pub-style dining options.

Carolina Cupcakery, another local favorite, will bring their decadent treats to Waterside and really sweeten things up.

The Mix is another quick and light option with made-to-order salads if you're on the run.

Vin is a wine bar and the perfect choice for small plates with cheese and charcuterie boards.

Stripers will serve casual and fresh seafood, open upstairs for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch with 30 beers on tap with an original menu similar to the Stripers Bar & Grill in Manteo.

The Market, the heart and hub of Waterside District, will feature a variety of unique food and beverage choices and be the main stage for entertainment, festivals and family attractions. “We’ll have really cool places to get some deli-style sandwiches; you’ll be able to make your own salad; we’ll have all kinds of coffees available,” Hutch says. They’ll also have what he calls pub fare on steroids, like a three-way burger (featuring bacon three ways) and nachos unlike any other.

Waterside will also feature various food trucks out front to keep the momentum and tempo a little different at all times. So, as Sutch explains, “It’s not just your standard pub fare. We’re taking culinary to a whole different level.”